Apparatus and method for carrying and supporting a media tablet

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for carrying and supporting a media tablet has a panel assembly adapted to be secured to the media tablet, and a support strap affixed to the media tablet. The support strap is adapted to extend around a portion of the user&#39;s body such that the panel assembly is supported in a desired orientation away from eyes of the user. The panel assembly includes a first panel adapted to be affixed to the media tablet and a second panel rotatably mounted to the first panel. The support strap is affixed to the second panel. The first panel includes hooks that are elastically connected to the first panel so as to extend outwardly so as to engage edges and sides of the media tablet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/676,122, filed on Apr. 1, 2015, and entitled “Media tablet Support Assembly”, presently pending. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/676,122 claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/974,009, filed in Apr. 2, 2014, and entitled “Media Tablet Support”.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

INSERT A The present invention relates to

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98

The present invention relates to the field of media tablets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a media tablet support allowing users to carry the media tablet, and to switch orientations from portrait to landscape.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98

Laptop and notebook computers have become ubiquitous. More recently, as electronic technology has developed, media tablet computers have been developed. These tablet computers, or media tablets, have the computing capacity of a much larger laptop or desktop computer, while allowing users to more easily transport their media tablets. These media tablets are used for a wide variety of tasks. They are often used during travel, and may also be used in tasks which are preformed in the field and which require the user of the tablet to be standing without the benefit of a desk or other support for the tablet. Thus, there is a recognized need to provide support which is wearable by the user to support the media tablets.

Various patents have issued in the past relating to devices allowing a user to carry an electronic device. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,615, issued on Sep. 3, 1996 to McIntosh, describes a neck harness. The single strap-support neck harness for suspending a scanner or other electronic device from a user's neck includes a housing for receiving a scanner to be suspended, a rigid brace arrangement, and an elongated flaccid neck strap. The rigid brace arrangement comprises two rigid V-shaped angular support members, with each support member attaching to opposite sides of the housing and having converging portions projecting upwardly from the housing. Ends of the strap attach to the separate ends of the projecting converging portions of the support members and, when worn about the neck, the strap suspends the brace arrangement and housing oriented with one end of the housing engaging the user's torso to extend the scanner to face the user at an upward incline from the user's torso for easy viewability of the scanner. Furthermore, the support members are angled so that a gravitational torque tends to force one end of the housing upward and into the torso of the user for stabilized suspension of the housing during movement by the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,225, issued on Mar. 3, 1998 to Hrusoff, teaches a laptop computer carry tray. The device is constructed and arranged for the support and stabilization of the laptop computer or notebook type computer unit when directly positioned in front of, or before, the user in order to permit the maximum amount of stability and thus allowing the operator to freely stand, sit, walk, carry, or move about with the computer unit intact when in an upright position with little or no stress. The instrument, when in its operational position, has an over the shoulder or over the neck strap, connecting the central computer carrying tray directly before or perpendicular to the user's body. Because the instrument is arranged perpendicularly to the body, the user has maximum stability of the entire computer unit and access to its operational surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,049, issued on Aug. 24, 2010 to Baranoski, describes a body support for a portable computer. It has shoulder pads and allows access to all ports (front, back and side). In particular, it allows access data ports, power ports as well as disk drives. The system according to the '049 patent comprises only straps and little strap hardware so that it can fold up and fit into any type of laptop carrying case. The support does not block the ventilation fan(s) on the bottom of the computer.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0044406, published on Apr. 18, 2002 to Shimoda, teaches a structure for carrying electronic apparatus. A strap mounting space is formed around a boss formed on an upper cover and a lower cover making up the apparatus. Each boss has a free end, and a slit formed around two bosses in abutment against each other makes up the strap mounting space. The upper cover and the lower cover are each formed integrally with the boss. A screw is inserted into each boss, and therefore a sufficient strength of the boss can be secured.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,375, issued on Feb. 16, 1993 to Plonk, describes a body supporter holder for electronic devices. The body supported combination holder and writing surface is used with hand held computers used in the field of utility meter reading, and provides for the retention of such a computer within a channel of the holder. The computer is retained within the channel by channel extensions which extend slightly over the edges of the computer, and by retaining clips within the bottom of the channel. The keyboard of the computer is fully accessible through the open upper side of the channel, and the writing surface is essentially coplanar with the keyboard of the computer when such a computer is installed within the holder. The membrane keyboard typical of such computers permits the writing surface to extend across the relatively narrow face of the computer in order to provide a larger writing surface area. The holder may be supported by retaining pins inserted within holes provided in the device, or in an alternate version by an extension insertable within the trouser waistband of the user, thus leaving both of the user's hands free. One or more storage compartments may be included by enclosing the space immediately below the writing surface. Relatively minor modifications of the holder permit its use with a variety of similarly configured electronic devices.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0043545, published on Apr. 18, 2002 to Tang, teaches a holder for a portable electronic device. The holder for a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone includes a carrier with a neck strap connected thereto. A microphone and an earphone are electrically connectable to a mobile phone or other portable electronic device by means of an electrical connector provided on a connector at the base of a pocket in which the phone is located. The pocket has a strap extending therefrom with a clip at one end with male connectors thereon which cooperate with female connectors on the connector part to retain the phone in the pocket.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0056061, published on Mar. 25, 2004 to Yang, describes a neck strap for a portable apparatus. A quick release unit is linked between the neck and the portable apparatus. When an external stretching force exceeds a safety range, the quick release unit is quickly released from the neck strap to protect the user. The quick release unit is not in contact with the neck of the user, such that the user will not feel uncomfortable for wearing the neck strap.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0080186, published on Apr. 12, 2007 to deLeon, describes a neck strap for mobile electronic device. The neck strap for a mobile electronic device includes a flexible loop arrangeable around the neck of a user and a connector whereby said flexible loop is connectable to said mobile electronic device. Furthermore, one section of said flexible loop includes at least one securing element, whereby a cable is securable to said at least one section of the flexible loop. In this way, a cable, such as an earphone cable, may be secured to the flexible loop, thereby organizing the cable and reducing tangling of the cable.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0232179, published on Nov. 25, 2004 to Chauhan, describes a neck strap with integrated wire. A strap for carrying a portable electronic apparatus, such as a telephone, around the neck of a user is disclosed. The strap has an elongate element for positioning around the neck of the user. The elongate element has a longitudinal channel shaped to releasably retain a wire connecting an accessory to the apparatus.

None of the prior art patents and patent publications are particularly suitable for use with an media tablets. The media tablets present unique issues related to portability and adaptability.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a media tablet support which allows for hands-free support of a media tablet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a media tablet support which prevents tired hands, wrist and finger fatigue problems associated with the extended use of a media tablet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a media tablet support which permits both portrait and landscape viewing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a media tablet support which is adjustable to the various sizes of a user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a media tablet support which is angularly adjustable for clear view in all lighting.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a media tablet support which allows for secure carrying and easy transport of the media tablet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for carrying a media tablet which exposes the various receptacles, slides, and operational elements on the edges of the media tablet.

It is still a further object of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for supporting and orientating a media tablet which provides easy form of connection between the support apparatus and the media tablet.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus and method for carrying and supporting a media tablet. The apparatus comprises a panel adapted to be secured to the media tablet and a support strap affixed to the panel. The support strap is adapted to extend around a portion of a user's body such that the panel is supported in a desired orientation away from the eyes of the user. The panel is adapted to be in rotatable relationship relative to the orientation of the media tablet.

The panel comprises a first panel adapted to be affixed to the media tablet and a second panel rotatably mounted to the first panel. The support strap is affixed to the second panel. The first panel has at least a pair of connecting elements extending therefrom. Each of the pair of connecting elements is adapted to receive an edge of the media tablet. Each of the connecting elements includes a first band extending outwardly of the first panel and a hook element connected to an end of the band opposite the first panel. The band is coming particular, an elastic band. The connecting elements further include a first band extending outwardly of one side of the first panel and a second band extending outwardly of an opposite side of the first panel. A third band can extend outwardly of an edge of the first panel between the sides thereof. A fourth band extends outwardly of an opposite edge of the first panel between the sides thereof. The first panel is in parallel planar relationship to the second panel.

The second panel has a first fastener affixed and a second fastener affixed thereto. The support strap is engageable with the first and second fasteners. The first fastener includes a first clasp and a second clasp arranged in generally parallel relation to the first clasp. The support strap has first and second complementary clasps respectively removably engaged with the first and second clasps. The second fastener includes a first hook-and-loop material strip affixed to the second panel and a second hook-and-loop material strip affixed to the second panel. The support strap has first and second complementary hook-and-loop material strips removably engageable with the first and second hook-and-loop material strips.

The support strap has a tilt adjustment strap extending therefrom. The tilt adjustment strap is engageable with the panel so as to vary an orientation of the media tablet with respect to the eyes of the user. The tilt adjustment strap includes a first tilt adjustment strap affixed to the support strap in spaced relation to an end of the support strap, and a second tilt adjustment strap affixed to the support strap in spaced relation to the first tilt adjustment strap and in spaced relation to another end of the support strap.

The present invention is also a method of supporting and orienting a media tablet relative the eyes of the user. The method includes the steps of: (1) affixing a rotatable panel assembly to the media tablet; (2) extending a support strap around a portion of a body of the user so as to have ends of the support strap extending outwardly thereof; and (3) engaging the ends of the support strap with the panel so as to fix the media tablet in a desired orientation.

The rotatable panel assembly has a first fastener and a second fastener thereon. The step of engaging comprises affixing a connector at an end of one of the ends of the support strap to the first fastener and attaching a connector at an end of another of the ends of the support strap to the second fastener. The second fastener is a strip of hook-and-loop material. The connector at the other end of the support strap as a strip of complementary hook-and-loop material. The strip of attaching includes placing the complementary strip of hook-and-loop material against the strip of hook-and-loop material in a desired location.

The step of affixing includes extending hooks outwardly of the panel assembly and engaging the hooks with edges of the media tablet. The rotatable panel assembly includes a first panel and a second panel rotatably mounted to the first panel. The method further comprises rotating the second panel with respect to the first panel relative to an orientation of the media tablet. The length of the support strap can be adjusted so as to set a desired orientation of the media tablet.

The Section is intended describe, with particularity, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that modifications to these preferred embodiments can be made within the scope of the present claims. As such, the Section should not be construed, any way, as limiting of the broad scope of the present invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isolated view, in partial perspective, of the support strap as used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rearward elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention as applied to a media tablet.

FIG. 3 is an isolated frontal view showing the first panel of the panel assembly as used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an end view showing the application of the apparatus of the present invention onto a media tablet.

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing the apparatus of the present invention as supported around the neck of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the support strap assembly 5 of the present invention. The support strap assembly 5 provides a means for hands-free support of the media tablet at a forward and/or side portion of the user's body. The support strap assembly 5 is selectively attachable to a panel assembly secured to the media tablet. In the preferred embodiment, the support strap assembly 5 includes a neck support strap 5 a extends around the user's neck. In an alternative embodiment, the support strap assembly could include a waist support belt that could extend substantially around the user's waistline.

The support strap assembly 5 generally comprises an adjustable neck support strap 5 a, first and second connector straps 5 b, 5 c and first and second tilt adjustment straps 5 d and 5 e. The connector straps 5 b, 5 c are attached to the neck support strap 5 a via rectangular rings 5 f, 5 g disposed at respective ends of the neck support strap 5 a. Tilt adjustment straps 5 d, 5 e are attached at one end thereof to the connector straps 5 b, 5 c. Tilt adjustment straps 5 d, 5 e have the hook portion 5 h, 5 i of hook-and-loop material (VELCRO™) attached to the distal the ends thereof. The hook-and-loop material portions 5 h, 5 i of tilt adjustment straps 5 d, 5 e selectively engage with complementary hook-and-loop material on the panel assembly as secured to the media tablet.

The first and second connector straps 5 b, 5 c are preferably formed from an elastic material. The male portions 5 j, 5 k of the clasps are located at the distal ends of the connector straps 5 b, 5 c and selectively engage the female portions of corresponding clasps attached to the panel assembly of the media tablet.

To support a media tablet using the support strap assembly 5, the neck support strap 5 a is placed around the user's neck. The respective male portions 5 j, 5 k of the locking clasps at the ends of the connector straps 5 b, 5 c are engaged with the female portions of the corresponding clasps attached to the panel assembly of the media tablet (as will be described hereinafter). The complementary hook-and-loop material portions 5 h, 5 i are attached at the distal end of the tilt adjustment straps 5 d, 5 e. The complementary hook-and-loop material portions 5 h, 5 i are attached to corresponding hook-and-loop material strips on the panel assembly. The media tablet can thereby be disposed in a downward position so that the touchscreen of the media tablet can be read and/or operated.

FIG. 2 shows the panel assembly 10 of the present invention as secured to a media tablet 12. The panel assembly 10 includes a first panel 14 and a second panel 16. The second panel 16 is rotatably mounted about pivot point 18 to the first panel 14.

The first panel 14 includes connector elements 18 extending outwardly thereof. Connector elements 18 are configured so as to connect with the media tablet 12 so as to secure the first panel 14 in a fixed position relative to the media tablet 12. Each of the connector elements 18 includes a band 20 that is affixed to the first panel 14 and extends outwardly therefrom. A hook element 22 is affixed to an end of the band 20. Hook element 22 serves to engage with an edge or side 24 of the media tablet 12. The band 20 is in the nature of an elastic band. As such, the connector element 18 can be adapted to various sizes of media tablets.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the first panel 14 includes a second band 26 that extends outwardly of a side of the first panel 14 opposite the band 20. A hook element 28 is secured to the band 26. Hook element 28 serves to engage with an opposite side 30 of the media tablet 12. The first panel 14 also includes a third band 32 that extends outwardly of an edge 34 of the first panel 14. A hook element 36 is secured to the end of the third band 32 opposite the first panel 14. Hook element 38 serves to engage with an edge 38 of the media tablet 12. A fourth band 40 is also affixed to a side 42 of the first panel 14 and extends outwardly thereof. Band 40 extends outwardly from the side of the first panel 14 opposite the third band 32. Hook element 44 is affixed to another side 46 of the media tablet 12. The arrangement of the bands 20, 26, 32 and 40, along with the corresponding hook elements 22, 28, 36 and 44, serves to securely mount the first panel 14 in a fixed position on the back side of the media tablet 12. Additional bands 46 and 48 along with corresponding hook elements 50 and 52 can further be employed so as to more securely fixedly position the first panel 14 in the desired position against the back side of the media tablet 12.

The second panel 16 includes a first fastener 54 and a second fastener 56 connected thereto. The first fastener 54 is the female portion of a clasp. As can be seen in FIG. 2, this female portion of the clasp 54 serves to receive the male portion 5 k of the strap 5 c. Another female portion of clasp 58 is affixed to the second panel 16 and serves to receive the male portion of the clasp 5 j therein. Strap 5 b extends from the mail portion of clasp 5 j. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the clasps 5 k and 5 j can be securely mounted to the fasteners 54 and 58 of the second panel 16.

The second fastener 56 includes a first strip of hook-and-loop material 60 and a second strip of hook-and-loop material 62. Strips 60 and 62 are arranged in spaced relationship to each other. Each of these strips 60 and 62 are adapted to adjustably receive the hook-and-loop material portions of the portions 5 h and 5 i of the support strap 5. The strips 60 and 62 are arranged on opposite sides of the pivot point 18.

FIG. 3 is an isolated view of the first panel 14. The first panel 14 is generally formed of a rigid material. Panel 14 has a generally rectangular configuration, although various other configurations can be employed. FIG. 3 shows that the first band 20 is located at one end of a strap 70 that extends longitudinally and centrally across the surface 72 of the first panel 14. The hook element 22 is secured to the end of the band 20. The second band 26 is located at the opposite end of the strap 70. Hook element 28 is secured to the end of the band 26. The pivot point 18 is located centrally of the strap 70. A reinforcing material 74 can be employed around the pivot point 18 so as to avoid deterioration through wear-and-tear and continual use.

FIG. 3 further shows that there are a pair of straps 76 and 78 that extend in parallel spaced relationship to each other on opposite sides of the pivot point 18. Straps 76 and 78 are fixedly secured to the surface 72 of the first panel 14. The strap 76 includes the first band 32 and the second band 40 at opposite ends thereof. Respective hook elements 36 and 44 are illustrated as secured to the bands 32 and 34 at opposite ends of the strap 76. Similarly, strap 78 has bands 46 and 48 connected at opposite ends thereof. Hook elements 50 and 52 are secured to the bands 46 and 48, respectively. Strap 78 is fixedly secured by sewing, or by other means, to the surface 72 of the first panels 14.

In relation to FIG. 2, the elasticity of the bands 32, 40, 46 and 48 allows the bands to be stretched so as to accommodate the size of the media tablet 12. Similarly, the bands 20 and 26 can also stretch so as to accommodate the length dimension of such a media tablet.

FIG. 4 is an end view showing the apparatus 10 of the present invention as applied to the media tablet 12. In particular, it can be seen that the first panel 14 is generally juxtaposed against the back side 80 of the media tablet 12. The hook elements 22 and 28 are illustrated as wrapping around the opposite edges of the media tablet 12. The second panel 16 is illustrated as being pivotally mounted to the first panel 14. The first fastener 54 is illustrated as extending outwardly of the second panel 16. Similarly, the second fastener 56 is also affixed to the surface of the second panel 16. The first fasteners 54 serve to receive the clasps of the support strap. The second fasteners 56 serve to receive the hook-and-loop material strips associated with the tilt adjustment straps of the support strap. The hooking elements 44 and 52 are illustrated as extending around the edge 46 of the media tablet 12. Importantly, in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the configuration of the present invention allows a socket 90 and a slide control mechanism 92 of the media tablet to be exposed and available for use. The various other operational components of the media tablet are also exposed to the various spaces between the first panel 14 and between the various bands 32, 40, 46 and 48.

FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus 10 of the present invention as applied around a neck 100 of a user 102. As can be seen, the support strap 5 neatly wraps around the neck 100 and extends across the torso 104 of the user 102. An end 106 of the support strap 5 will be secured by virtue of the clasps described herein previously. The tilt adjustment straps 108 of support strap 5 extend outwardly so as to have an end 110 adjacent to the back side of the media tablet 12. This end 110 will bear the hook-and-loop material. As such, the orientation of the media tablet 12 can be adjusted by moving the connection between the mating portions of the hook-and-loop material upwardly and downwardly relative to the various strips 56 and 62 of hook-and-loop material on the second panel 16 of the panel assembly. Additionally, the length of the straps of the strap assembly 5 can also be adjusted so as to allow the media tablet 12 to move toward or away from the eyes 112 of the user 102.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction or in the steps of the described method can be made within the scope of the preset claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for carrying and supporting a media tablet, the apparatus comprising: a panel assembly adapted to be secured to the media tablet; and a support strap affixed to said panel assembly, said support strap adapted to extend around a portion of the user's body such that said panel assembly is supported in a desired orientation away from eyes of the user.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, said panel assembly adapted to be rotatable relative to an orientation of the media tablet.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, said panel assembly comprising: a first panel adapted to be affixed to the media tablet; and a second panel rotatably mounted to said first panel, said support strap affixed to said second panel.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, said first panel having at least a pair of connecting elements extending therefrom, each of the connecting elements adapted to receive an edge of the media tablet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, each of the connecting elements comprising: a band extending outwardly of said first panel; and a hook element connected to an end of said band opposite said first panel.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, said band being an elastic band.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, the connecting elements comprising: a first band extending outwardly of one side of said first panel; and a second band extending outwardly of an opposite side of said first panel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, the connecting elements further comprising: a third band extending outwardly of an edge of said first panel between the sides thereof; and a fourth band extending outwardly of an opposite edge of said first panel between the sides thereof.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3, said second panel being in parallel planar relationship to said first panel.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, said second panel having a first fastener affixed to said second panel and a second fastener affixed to said second panel, said support patent strap engageable with said first and second fasteners.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, said first fastener comprising: a first clasp; and a second clasp arranged in parallel planar relationship to said first clasp, said support strap having first and second complementary clasps respectively removably engageable with said first and second clasps.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, said second fastener comprising: a first hook-and-loop material strip affixed to said second panel; and a second hook-and-loop material stripped affixed to said second panel, said support strap having first and second complementary hook-and-loop material strips removably engageable with said first and second hook-and-loop material strips.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, said support strap having a tilt adjustment strap extending therefrom, said tilt adjustment strap engageable with said panel assembly so as to vary an orientation of the media tablet with respect to the eyes of the user.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, said tilt adjustment strap comprising: a first tilt adjustment strap affixed to said support strap in spaced relation to an end of said support strap; and a second tilt adjustment strap affixed to said support strap in spaced relation to said first tilt adjustment strap and in spaced relation to the end of said support strap.
 15. A method of supporting an orienting a media tablet relative to eyes of the user, the method comprising: affixing a rotatable panel assembly to the media tablet; extending the support strap around a portion of the body of the user so as to have ends of the support strap extending outwardly thereof; and engaging the ends of the support strap with the panel so as to fix the media tablet in a desired orientation.
 16. The method of claim 15, said rotatable panel assembly having a first fastener and a second fastener thereon, the step of engaging comprising: affixing a connector at an end of one of said ends of said support strap to said first fastener; and attaching a connector at an end of another of said ends of said support strap to said second fastener.
 17. The method of claim 16, said second fastener being a strip of hook-and-loop material, said connector at said end of said another of said ends of said support strap being a strip of complementary hook-and-loop material, the step of attaching comprising: placing the complementary strip of hook-and-loop material against said strip of hook-and-loop material in a desired location.
 18. The method of claim 15, the step of affixing comprising: extending books outwardly of said panel assembly; and engaging the hooks with edges of the media tablet.
 19. The method of claim 15, said panel assembly having a first panel and a second panel rotatably mounted to said first panel, the method further comprising: rotating the second panel with respect to the first panel relative to an orientation of the media tablet.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: adjusting a length of said support strap so as to set the desired orientation of the media tablet. 